Lakenham Union is Norfolk’s newest club
Lakenham Union, a merger between Lakenham Hewett and Norwich Union, is Norfolk’s newest rugby club.
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The two had always worked together, including when Lakenham Hewett’s club was flooded five years ago, and Norwich Union shared their facilities. Just last year, Lakenham Hewett returned the favour when Norwich Union’s clubhouse had a broken water pipe, and this collaboration persuaded the two presidents, Richard Ross and Kevin Maddams, that a merger would work.
Both presidents saw the commonalities between the two clubs and could see the potential in sharing coaches, volunteers, and players as well as facilities.
After the initial proposal, both clubs voted in favour of merging and so Lakenham Union rugby club was born.
Huge sense of excitement
Based at Lakenham Hewett’s former facility, Hilltops, the new club has two men’s teams and a women’s team, who continue their legacy as the longest-established continuous women’s rugby team in Norfolk.
Co-captains Sophie Congdon and Jess Baker hope to continue the women’s section’s legacy as a friendly and welcoming team to new players and experienced alike.
“After taking time to rebuild last season, we have started strongly in our new league, and we are pleased to see the hard work and effort we have put into training come to fruition. We are excited for the opportunities associated with the growth of the club through the merger resulting in Lakenham Union.”
Captain of the men’s 2nd XV, Sam Watson, said: “When Norwich Union lost their facilities due to a broken water pipe in their clubhouse, they started to train with us. Immediately we could see the benefit of two teams training together. With the increase in numbers, we could get more out of training and be more ready for the games.
“When the merger was suggested, it didn’t take long to get on board and make it happen. Regardless of your previous club, there is a huge sense of excitement throughout the merged club. Everyone is on the same page and driving to make it a success.”
Captain of the men’s 1st XV, Matt Spenceley agrees: “The result so far has been as good as we could have imagined and hoped for. With 35+ players training every week and 40+ players available every Saturday, it allows us to be competitive in both training and in games. Both clubs also share a similar ethos on and off the field which has bonded both teams to create one cohesive squad.”
Something special in the region
All three of Lakenham Union’s teams have enjoyed successful starts to their seasons. The women’s team sits at the top of Women's NC 2 Midlands (East), the men’s 1st XV is second in Eastern Counties Greene King Division One North with four wins from four, and the 2nd XV is sitting comfortably in the middle of their league.
Head coach Jay O’Brien says: “Training sessions have been very well attended and we’re able to pick really competitive teams, which is great for players, supporters, and the club. In the long term, we want to increase participation in both the men’s and women’s sections so we can grow the club into something special in the region.”
While both former clubs remain proud of their individual history, the newly formed Lakenham Union means the newest team in Norfolk can make new memories and create a great future for all their members.
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